Hey, as my title suggests I’m relatively new to the whole woodworking thing, besides experimenting in the workshop at college and in my dad’s garage as a kid. I’m only 22 so I don’t have my own place for doing these sorts of things, so for the meantime, I’ll effectively just lurk and learn!
On another note, I would be interested if there are any carpenters or professional woodworkers from Essex if they could talk to me. You see, I’ve always enjoyed the built environment, and I’ve played with wood (even if at a young age that meant banging nails and screws into it and burning it) my whole life. I undertook a degree in Interior Architecture and it really hasn’t panned out. At the end of this year (second year) I intend to leave completely to pursue a skilled trade. However, I do not have any professional experience with carpentry. I’m hoping my two year DipHE will be proof that I can stick things out even if I don’t enjoy them, but the fact my experience is with (basically a snobby term for) Interior Design will prove helpful when working on the other end of the chain. I hope to shadow a carpenter for a while to get an understanding, help out with the menial tasks when needed too obviously, so I have some ground to stand on. Anyway, that’s me, I actually came here from gardentenders after being advised looking here might help!
I know we have some folks here from England, but not sure if they are from Essex. I am from New-England Essex-county,but am not sure that’s going to help you much though ;)
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
It’s a shame, I just wish it wasn’t so expensive living in England, it could be such a richer (culturally) country if it wasn’t so densely populated and in demand. That said, there is something about the English countryside you just can’t get in the states.
Welcome to Lumberjocks, Jeremy. Everybody has to start at the beginning when learning something new and there’s not anything wrong with it. You’re only 22 and have plenty of time to become an experienced woodworker and even one with a nice shop. The key is to stick with it. Best of luck with your new trade.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
I would strongly recommend that you continue with your degree studies rather than ditch the two years done so far and the cost that has incurred, and pursue your wood urge as a concurrent activity. You obviously had good reasons for your original choice and it is not a good idea to simply drop out of the course. I don’t know what your course involves but I reckon that you will pick up some useful grounding for your future endeavours with wood. You should sound out some of the boat building firms in Maldon who might be able to help you with some touchy feel experience.
helluvawreck: thanks for the encouragement, I have already built up an army of hand and electric tools over the last couple of years, all I need now is a ‘shop to make use of them in!
Bill: Oh, alright then! I’m out for a meal tonight so one pint is in your name! Also, thanks! :)
JR45: I can assure you, the only reason I went in the first place was out of compulsion, I picked the course just because of its name. The only reason I haven’t left earlier is because I felt a commitment to my parents, but now that I am married they know it’s my decision but it’s not one I’m doing lightly. I wouldn’t be simply dropping out, or ditching, as I get a diploma. It’s stressful enough going two years doing a course I have no genuine passion for so if I can get out of a missold course, I will, though of course I appreciate your concern :). That and my university lecturers have said that if I stick out to the end of this year, they’ll help me get experience in the real world, and one of them knows I have wanted to leave to do something more hands on since the beginning of the course, she knows this isn’t some sort of ‘whim’. I will contact some of them and see if they can give me some time shadowing, thanks, I didn’t think of the boat building.
I made a career change in my mid twenties, I wanted to be a builder more than anything. Be persistent and don’t be afraid not to volunteer at any project that is being built for the poor. Not sure if you have Habitat Homes for the poor there but some organization like that. It will get you rubbing elbows with construction people. Second is never give up. It all up to you to create you own opportunities, think outside the box. network to the people you need. I now had to make another career change in my mid 50’s because the economy is bad for construction in my area. I looked around and set a goal. “Nothing determines your success more than hard work” Abraham Lincoln. Go make it happen. Don’t give up!
Welcome to Lumberjocks, Jeremy Sawdust get in your blood ,Look around your neighborhood ,Someone must be building something. Go and watch and when time is right ask questions. Then do some small tasks to help. By the way spent sometime in Brandon,England ,Wife of 43 yrs is from there.
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